New

Director of Government Accounting

Vaco
$227,000.00 - $281,000.00 / yr
401(k), retirement plan
United States, California, La Jolla
Feb 02, 2026
Title: Director of Government Contract AccountingClient: Publicly traded technology companyCompensation: $230K-$275K base + discretionary bonus + RSUs + potential sign?onLocation: Carlsbad, CA (Hybrid) - Also open to candidates in Tempe, AZ; Denver, CO; or Washington, D.C. (Pacific/Mountain time zone preferred) Work Authorization: U.S. Citizenship required (ability to obtain DoD clearance) About the RoleOur client is seeking a highly experienced Director of Government Contract Accounting to lead compliance, cost accounting, and government audit interactions across a complex, multi?entity environment. This is a critical leadership position overseeing a team responsible for CAS, FAR, GAAP compliance; regulatory submissions; and audit responses. The role reports to the VP of Corporate Accounting and partners closely with finance, legal, and government program leaders. Key Responsibilities Lead and develop the Government Accounting team, including two manager?level direct reports and their teams. Serve as the primary liaison for DCAA, DCMA, and other government auditors. Oversee preparation and submission of key regulatory filings (e.g., Forward Pricing Rate Proposals, Incurred Cost Submissions, Disclosure Statements). Ensure full compliance with CAS, FAR, GAAP, and internal controls. Support leadership with cost?structure analysis, regulatory interpretation, and government accounting strategy. Guide audit responses and implement corrective actions. Contribute as a key stakeholder in the organization's ERP transition from Oracle to SAP S/4HANA. Required Experience 15+ years of government accounting experience, including 10+ years in GovCon and 5+ years leading teams CPA required Deep expertise in CAS, FAR, and GAAP Experience negotiating complex accounting issues with government agencies Strong leadership, communication, and analytical skills Proficiency in Excel and ERP systems (SAP preferred) U.S. citizenship Preferred Qualifications Big 4 or public accounting background Experience with SAP S/4HANA Work Environment Hybrid schedule: Typically 2-3 days in office if located near a client office Flexible hours, with availability during core PST business times Strong work?life balance culture Determining compensation for this role (and others) at Vaco/Highspring depends upon a wide array of factors including but not limited to the individual's skill sets, experience and training, licensure and certifications, office location and other geographic considerations, as well as other business and organizational needs. With that said, as required by local law in geographies that require salary range disclosure, Vaco/Highspring notes the salary range for the role is noted in this job posting. The individual may also be eligible for discretionary bonuses, and can participate in medical, dental, and vision benefits as well as the company's 401(k) retirement plan. Additional disclaimer: Unless otherwise noted in the job description, the position Vaco/Highspring is filing for is occupied. Please note, however, that Vaco/Highspring is regularly asked to provide talent to other organizations. By submitting to this position, you are agreeing to be included in our talent pool for future hiring for similarly qualified positions. Submissions to this position are subject to the use of AI to perform preliminary candidate screenings, focused on ensuring minimum job requirements noted in the position are satisfied. Further assessment of candidates beyond this initial phase within Vaco/Highspring will be otherwise assessed by recruiters and hiring managers. Vaco/Highspring does not have knowledge of the tools used by its clients in making final hiring decisions and cannot opine on their use of AI products. Vaco by Highspring values a diverse workplace and strongly encourages women, people of color, LGBTQ+ individuals, people with disabilities, members of ethnic minorities, foreign-born residents, and veterans to apply. EEO Notice Vaco by Highspring is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race (including but not limited to traits historically associated with race such as hair texture and hair style), color, sex (includes pregnancy or related conditions), religion or creed, national origin, citizenship, age, disability, status as a veteran, union membership, ethnicity, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, marital status, political affiliation, or any other protected characteristics as required by federal, state or local law. Vaco by Highspring and its parents, affiliates, and subsidiaries are committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. As part of this commitment, Vaco by Highspring and its parents, affiliates, and subsidiaries will ensure that persons with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodations. If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and/or to receive other benefits and privileges of employment, please contact HR@vaco.com . Vaco by Highspring also wants all applicants to know their rights that workplace discrimination is illegal. By submitting to this position, you agree that you will be giving Vaco by Highspring the exclusive right to present your as a candidate for the foregoing employment opportunity. You further agree that you have represented information about yourself accurately and have not affirmatively misrepresented your qualifications. You also agree to maintain as confidential, to the fullest extent permitted by law, any information you learn from Vaco by Highspring about the position and you will limit disclosure of information about the position only to the extent necessary to perform any obligations in furtherance of your application. In exchange, Vaco by Highspring agrees to exercise reasonable efforts to represent you through all solicitation, job screening and resume dispersal. Privacy Notice Vaco by Highspring and its parents, affiliates, and subsidiaries ("we," "our," or "Vaco by Highspring") respects your privacy and are committed to providing transparent notice of our policies. California residents may access Vaco by Highspring HR Notice at Collection for California Applicants and Employees here. Virginia residents may access our state specific policies here. Residents of all other states may access our policies here. Canadian residents may access our policies in English here and in French here. Residents of countries governed by GDPR may access our policies here. Pay Transparency Notice Determining compensation for this role (and others) at Vaco by Highspring depends upon a wide array of factors including but not limited to: the individual's skill sets, experience and training; licensure and certification requirements; office location and other geographic considerations; other business and organizational needs. With that said, as required by local law, Vaco by Highspring believes that the following salary range referenced above reasonably estimates the base compensation for an individual hired into this position in geographies that require salary range disclosure. The individual may also be eligible for discretionary bonuses.